Many materials that are known to deteriorate over time are still commonly used in collections. These include Elmer's glue, Duco cement, nail polish, Wite-out, Scotch tape, adhesive labels, acidic papers, Sharpies and Bic pens. Participants in this workshop will experience how easy it is to use long-lasting archival materials instead, including Paraloid B-72, India ink, archival disposable pens, titanium white acrylic paint, acid-free paper, Japanese paper, Ethafoam, Tyvek and polyester batting.

This three-hour workshop begins with brief instructions after which participants work at their own pace with their own kit of materials. Each participant has a broken mini flowerpot "specimen" to 1) mend with an archival adhesive (Paraloid B-72), 2) label using six different archival methods and 3) house in a labeled, archival "cavity" mount. There is a group discussion at the end. The instructor also demonstrates easy ways to mix, dispense and work with Paraloid B-72. Participants take home their kit along with their completed "specimen", written instructions, recipes, a supplier list, a small library of PDF references and a Certificate of Completion.